Judy Gale (Gearhart) Johnson

Judy Gale Johnson, 75, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2016 in Nampa, Idaho.  She lost her year –long battle with cancer and went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Judy was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota as the first child to Charles and Margaret Gearhart on June 3, 1941.  Eight years later a young sister, Nancy (Smee) joined the family.  Then 21 years later a second little sister, Trudy (Shannon) was added to the home. 

When Judy was twelve years old she moved with her family from Minnesota to San Jose, California, when her father, a home builder, could enjoy year-round work in the milder winters compared to those in Minnesota. 

It was in San Jose that Judy, as a teenager, met a young man, Holland Johnson, at church who was very interested in her and they became very good friends.  This friendship blossomed eventually into a story-book love affair.  Although they attended different high schools, they would look forward to seeing each other at church every Sunday. 

Upon graduation from their respective high schools in 1959, both Judy and Holland went off to Pasadena College together. 

After a year of college, Judy transferred to a school in San Jose and studied to be a dental assistant, while Holland continued his education in Pasadena. 

After Holland’s third year in college they were married on July 28, 1962.  They were married for almost 54 years. 

To their home were added three children.  Their first child is Craig (Tracy) Johnson; the second is Randy Johnson; and their third child is Marci (Rob) Kielman. 

Judy also leaves behind six grandchildren; Jordan and Sylvia Chace; Allyson and Margaret Johnson; and Christopher and Carolyn Kielman.   She also leaves behind 2 younger sisters, Nancy Smee and Trudy Shannon as well as  her 98 year old mother, Margaret Gearhart. 

Judy had tremendous love for everyone in her family, and in return was deeply loved by each of them.  She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Gearhart. 

When all of Judy’s children were young and enrolled in school, she became a college student again at Boise State University, where she obtained her elementary teaching degree.  She began teaching in the Melba School District in 1988 and worked there as a special education teacher until she retired in 2004. 

Since retirement, Judy’s favorite hobby was attending and working as a volunteer at the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament in Southern California, and watching lots of tennis. 

Judy was very active in the Celebrate Recovery Ministry at her church, the First Church of the Nazarene in Nampa, Idaho. 

A Memorial Service to honor and celebrate Judy’s life will be held in the First Church of the Nazarene Family Life Center (gym), 601 16th Ave. So. in Nampa at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 29, 2016. Arrangements are under the direction of the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel, 415 12th Ave. So. – Nampa – 442-8171. An online guest book is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com 

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Celebrate Recovery at Nampa First Church of the Nazarene, 601 16th Ave. So., Nampa, ID 83651 or to MISTI, 308 E. Hawaii Ave., Nampa, Idaho 83686.  

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